Source: Greenpeace
The Pacific Blue Line Collective and partners, representing Pacific civil society organisations, faith-based groups, youth, women’s organisations, and movements, remain steadfast
in their position for an outright ban on deep-sea mining in the Pacific.
In a statement, they said: “We remind Pacific Leaders of their responsibility to the protection of the Pacific Ocean. As the Pacific Island Leaders meet for the High-level Talanoa on Deep Sea Minerals at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat this week, it is vital that the duty of care to safeguard our oceans is at the forefront of discussions.”
Greenpeace seabed mining campaigner Juressa Lee says: “Pacific leaders have received a strong and clear message from civil society groups across the Pacific, urging them to reject wannabe deep sea miners with selfish agendas and their propaganda that they can destroy the deep sea to save us from the climate crisis.
“The undersigned groups represent a growing broad and strong resistance from across Te Moananui a Kiwa against this emerging form of extractivism and colonisation.
“This long-standing opposition of civil society asserts their mana and birth-righted guardianship of their homes, and the authority and necessity of Indigenous voices and Indigenous Knowledge Systems in any decisions that pertain to their homes, which includes the ocean.
“Civil society groups argue that Indigenous Rights, the rights of Pacific Peoples, their knowledge systems, and a healthy environment should be at the centre of all conversations and decision-making, alongside the best available, robust and independent science.
“Pacific Leaders and global leaders must hear this call from civil society to centre Pacific communities and the environments of which they are guardians.”